Affordable... For use on the boat.

Phil ............... :)

Affordable is relative. Nikon Monarch5 12x42 is a phenomenal buy for $310. If you want something in the one tank of gas price range, the Nikon 7245 action extreme 10x50 is really nice for only $150. Both are waterproof. You want cheaper than that, I would go for something in the 8 x 40 range as most higher power binoculars in the low end will be tough to see through, especially on a rocking boat. The bushnell h20's are good binoculars for under $100 and they would probably be more than sufficient. They make an 8x42 and a 10x42. I think the 10 is too much power for that aperture, especially if there is any sort of chop or rolling. Makes me wanna puke thinking about it.

Hard to beat a Nikon for the price!

I am looking at used nikons on ebay Can you Explain the difference between 10x50@6* vs 10x50@6.5*
Vs16x50@4.1*
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Mike, glad you asked,,,, been looking for a pair

stopped into bass pro a week ago, they have a section just for binoc's, the guy at the counter didn't know which end to look thru! still looking :wall:

Out with a bud last week and his had a compass reading inside,,,, really cool

I'll bring mine next time out so you can see if you like them, they have compass and height scales. Probably <$150. No image stabilization, that's big $$$

Hard to beat the Nikons for field use for the price point. Probably more than you need on a boat though and will likely get trashed over time. Might go Bushnell waterproofs from Amazon if I were looking.

I think these are the ones (or similar to) I have on my boat: http://www.code3tactical.com/bushnell-marine-7x50-waterproof-binoculars-137501.aspx?gclid=COP0q5j73rgCFYWe4AodDSoAFQ

$144

I'll still bring next time on the Bucket so you can try.

if you can at all swing it, the image stabilization is awesome.

i would have a hard time justifying the purchase, but i've used them on other people's boats, and they are the cat's meow.

If i used binocs all the time I would definitely look for a pair of used image stabilized...

I am looking at used nikons on ebay Can you Explain the difference between 10x50@6* vs 10x50@6.5*
Vs16x50@4.1*
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

degrees of field of view. bigger/wider makes it easier to locate stuff. image stabilization is awesome, but huge bucks.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Stacie bought me the Nikon action extreme 10x50 for 56 bucks on eBay
i couldn't be happier!
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I always used 7x50s, they are also the only ones you can get with an integral compass.
I found binoculars very useful.
Here is a link that tells what you can do with them
http://getitscene.hubpages.com/hub/Best-binoculars-for-boating

I use mine all the time. I used up my west marine frequent buyer certificates and got their most expensive pair basically for nothing. They seem to be pretty decent. I know they are not as sweet as the high end ones sold from optics stores but for the banging around they get on my boat they are fine.
If I was going to spend some money I would go with the image stabilization, that is a very helpful feature but it is expensive. If you have ever used them on a boat you will know what I mean.

Here's what you do.
Go to West Marine with a $30 coupon one of your buds gave you and another $10 rewards one they mail you for spending spending so much over X period of time.

Pick out one of the best (most expensive) pairs w/ image stabilization.
Go to the counter with the most stupid looking girl working the register.
Hand her the 2 different coupons and watch and try not to laugh out loud as she punches in 40% off instead of $40 and gladly pay the $360 for the $600 pair :)